Special Guardianship Orders are often referred to as SGO’s.

A Special Guardianship Order is an order that names one or more individuals in a court order as a child’s Special Guardian. The people named within the order acquire Parental Responsibility for the child and are given by the Court, the power to make legal decisions for the child to the exclusion of their parents or any other person with Parental Responsibility. The parents will not lose their Parental Responsibility and must still be consulted by the Special Guardian about all legal decisions in the child’s life but if there is a dispute the Special Guardian can make the final decision. The only two things that a Special Guardian cannot do, is change a child’s surname or leave the UK with the child for more than 3 months, unless they have the written consent of anyone who has Parental Responsibility for the child or an order from the court giving permission.

Special Guardianship Orders are often made in favour of extended family members who are committed to caring for the child until they reach adulthood.

The Local Authority will complete an assessment to consider a proposed Special Guardians suitability to care for a child in the long term and will provide a report for the court to consider. The Local Authority also have a duty to prepare a support plan which sets out the practical and financial support that may be available.

Whether you are a parent who seeks to oppose a Special Guardianship Order being made or you are a family member who is caring for a child and would like advice about whether a Special Guardianship Order would be suitable in your situation, we are here to help and can offer you expert advice.

Legal Aid may be available in some circumstances, please contact our team and we can assess your eligibility.

Get in touch with the team today to find out more.